Rangers Set to Face Tough Contest Against Fenerbahce in Europa League

Istanbul, Turkey – Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson is preparing his team for a formidable challenge as they face Fenerbahce in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday, March 6, at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Ferguson’s side, aiming to reach the quarter-finals, recognizes the significance of this match against a club many consider a potential winner of the tournament. “First and foremost, the team has done brilliantly to get to this stage,” Ferguson stated. “This is a very good Fenerbahce team in my opinion with a lot of top players; we’ve watched them a few times. They have a top-class manager, so it will be a real tough game.”

In his third game as interim coach, Ferguson has emphasized the preparations his team has undertaken. “We’ve prepared in the right manner, but we understand what we’re coming up against – a very good team,” he added. Ferguson acknowledged the challenge presented by Fenerbahce’s manager, Jose Mourinho, noting, “He’s a top-class manager and has managed at so many top teams. Fenerbahce could win the Europa League, so we need to be prepared and ready.”

Despite adjusting to his new role, Ferguson expressed a sense of comfort progressing from his ambassador position. “It’s settling down a bit; each day is getting easier, but there’s still some things I need to work on in terms of the football side of it,” he explained. He is keen on improving rapidly, as he noted, “I would like a bit more sleep at night to be honest with you.”

Having spent the week analyzing Fenerbahce’s gameplay, Ferguson remarked, “We’ve watched 10 games over the last four days, and I don’t see the way his team plays as a defensive team. I’m expecting a tough game, and I want a performance that I expect from them.”

Rangers have struggled with consistency in domestic matches, a point Ferguson addressed. “I’ve been at all the games this season, home and away, and some of the best performances have been in the Europa League. They’ve shown their best,” he explained, while acknowledging the different caliber of competition in this upcoming match.

Ferguson’s strategy involves neutralizing the skills of Fenerbahce’s players to prevent them from inflicting harm. “We need to keep their players quiet. If we take our eye off the ball at any stage, they will do one thing and that’s hurt you,” he said, drawing inspiration from the club’s former managers, including Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat.

Notably, Fenerbahce will be without former Manchester United midfielder Fred due to suspension. Rangers, for their part, have added Danilo, Ianis Hagi, and Clinton Nsiala to their Europa League roster after they missed the league phase of competition. Furthermore, defenders Leon Balogun and John Souttar returned to training, making them available for the match.

Historically, Fenerbahce has faced its share of challenges, finishing just three points shy of the league title last season. With a recent draw against Galatasaray and a 3-0 victory over Antalyaspor, they are determined to close the gap in league standings and improve their domestic placement.

Mourinho acknowledged the match’s difficulties for both teams, stating, “For sure, Ferguson will be much more pragmatic, much more objective. It will be hard for us, but it’s going to be hard for them. I know it’s going to be difficult, but I’m really happy to play against a Scottish team.”

Rangers’ midfielder Ianis Hagi also emphasized the need for team readiness, saying, “Every three, four days, you have a game. The last few weeks haven’t been good enough for Rangers’ standard. There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes at the training ground, and I think we’re ready. It will be a great challenge for us as a team.”